Shoelace Cleaning Device

ABSTRACT

A shoelace-cleaning device comprises a spherical housing having first and second halves. Each half has a plurality of apertures allowing for the ingress and egress of fluids. A plurality of tabs are positioned within the interior having a height extending towards the center of the sphere. The spherical housing is dimensioned to receive a plurality of shoelaces once the first half and second half are releasably engaged. Fasteners releasably engage fastener receivers to retain the two halves. The device may then be disposed in a washing machine or drying machine to clean the shoelaces retained within.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/307,832 filed on Mar. 14, 2016, entitled “SHOELACE LAUNDRY BALL” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to the field of auxiliary laundry devices, and specifically auxiliary laundry devices for washing shoelaces.

2. Description of Related Art

Currently there are a number of solutions for washing shoelaces. One of these solutions attempts to scrub, soak and hand wash you shoelaces, but this solution fails to meet the needs of the market because this method is messy and time consuming. Another solution attempts to throw the shoelaces in the washing machine with the rest of your laundry., but this solution is similarly unable to meet the needs of the market because shoelaces can become entangles with your other clothing items or the wash machine's internal components.

It would be advantageous to have an apparatus that allows you to clean your shoelaces without having to wash the laces by hand. Furthermore, it would also be advantageous to have an apparatus that allows for shoelaces to be washed in a washing machine without becoming a tangled mess. Still further, it would be advantageous to have an apparatus that is a ball that you can place shoelaces in, snap together and place in the washing machine. Therefore, there currently exists a need in the market for an apparatus that is a ball to hold shoelaces, is slotted to allow for water and detergent to flow through and has internal tabs to allow for internal agitation to the laces. The device also allows the laces to become clean in the wash in the wash without becoming a tangled mess.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A shoelace-cleaning device has a housing, defined by a first and second half configured to releasably engage one another. The housing is dimensioned to receive a plurality of articles. Apertures are positioned on each half of the device. A plurality of tabs are positioned in an interior of the housing.

In an embodiment, the shoelace-cleaning device comprises a hemispherical first half and second half. Each half releasably engages the other to form a spherical housing. The spherical housing has an interior dimensioned to receive and retain a plurality of shoelaces. A plurality of apertures are positioned on the first and second halves allowing for the ingress and egress of fluids. Further, a plurality of tabs are positioned within the interior of the spherical housing and promote agitation of fluids within the device. Each tab has a height extending towards the center of the sphere.

In an embodiment, the first half and the second half have similarly dimensioned first half and second half rims allowing for each half to sealingly engage the other. Each half comprises a fastener to releasably engage a fastener receiver on the opposing half. In this manner, a single part may be manufactured for each half of the device.

In an embodiment, each aperture promotes the agitation of fluid entering the spherical housing. Each aperture is dimensioned to retain shoelaces within the spherical housing. Further, each of the tabs may be integrally molded to the spherical housing.

In an embodiment, a method of use includes a user disposing a plurality of articles in a housing. The user then releasably engages a first half and second half of the device and disposes the housing in a washing apparatus.

In an embodiment, the user may dispose the device in a drying apparatus.

The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention, will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the ensuing descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings briefly described as follows.

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the two hemispheres of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view of the two hemispheres of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the a hemisphere of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a hemisphere of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a hemisphere of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9A is a side elevation view the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9B is a side elevation view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the method of use, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention and their advantages may be understood by referring to FIGS. 1-10, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements.

In general, the invention described herein is directed to a spherical shaped device that can be separated into two hemispheres. The device is dimensioned, at minimum, to retain shoelaces within an interior of the spherical device. The device may be disposed in a washing machine and dryer wherein small articles, such as shoelaces, which are disposed within are cleaned. Tabs within the device provide agitation of the shoelaces and promote cleaning. A plurality of apertures are positioned through the housing 10 of the device allowing for fluid to move into and flow through the interior of the device.

In reference to FIGS. 1-9B, the device housing 10 is generally spherical in shape. The device comprises a housing with a first half 101 and a second half 102. In a preferred embodiment, each half is a hemisphere, which are adapted to be releasably engaged with one another. The assembly of each half 101, 102 form a complete sphere. The means to secure the two halves 101, 102 is a snap fit connection. The spherical device 10 defines an exterior forming a cavity within the interior of the spherical structure. The device 10 includes a plurality of apertures 103. Each aperture 103 allows for access from the exterior of the device 10 to the interior, wherein fluids are able to move through the interior of the device. The device 10 includes a plurality of tabs 104 each having a height extending toward the center of the interior of the device 10. Each tab 104 aids in the agitation of the contents within the device during use. In use, a user will position shoelaces to be washed within a half 101, 102 of the device 10. The halves 101, 102 are then assembled together to form the completed device 10. The device 10 is then placed within a washing machine. The device housing 10 contains the shoelaces during washing with the washing fluids penetrating to the interior of the device housing 10 through the apertures 103 while the tabs 104 aid in agitation of the shoelaces within the device housing 10.

In an alternate embodiment, the two halves 101, 102 may not be equal in size, diameter, or attachment means. Instead, a smaller portion may be used for disposing shoelaces within.

In an embodiment, each aperture 103 of the housing 10 is molded to modify the flow of water in order to create a vortex of water aiding in the cleaning of shoelaces. The interior surface and the exterior surface are separated by a beveled, or textured surface to further agitate the fluid as it moves through the apertures 103.

Each aperture is dimensioned such that the shoelaces will remain retained within the interior of the spherical housing 10 without protruding through the apertures.

In an embodiment, each half 101, 102 of the housing 10 are releasably engaged to one another by a friction fit. Preferentially, the second half 102 is adapted to receive a raised edge of the first half 101.

In an embodiment, the halves 101, 102 may be held together by one or more clips, magnets, clamps, or other means of releasable engagement. In a further embodiment, each half has a threaded portion, each of which are adapted to engage the corresponding threaded portion of the corresponding half. The first half 101 and second half 102 have first half rim 115 and second half rim 116 that are similarly dimensioned such that a sealed engagement is made between the halves 101, 102.

In a preferred embodiment and in reference to FIG. 9A and 9B, each half 101, 102 of the device is a mirrored structure of the opposing half. In this manner, each half 101, 102 will comprise a fastener receiver 110 and a fastener 120, wherein the fastener 120 of one of the halves is positioned to releasably engage the fastener receiver 110 of the opposing half. This allows for only one half to be manufactured, reducing the cost of production substantially. In the preferred embodiment, the fasteners 120 extend vertically from each of the first half rim 115 and second half rim 116 parallel to the central axis of the sphere.

In an embodiment, the first half 101 of the device housing 10 comprises one or more fastener receivers 110. Each of the fastener receivers 110 is adapted to receive a fastener 120 from the second half 102. Each fastener 120 is positioned substantially near a circumference of the second half 102 and extends in a direction substantially parallel to the vertical axis of the hemispherical second half 102. Each fastener 120 may be a spring biased L-shaped member, wherein the spring biases the fastener 120 through the fastener receiver 110 of the first half 101 allowing for the second half 102 and first half 101 to be retained in unison.

In use, a user will dispose one or more shoelaces within the interior of a half 101 of the device. The user will then engage the second half 102 and engage the fasteners 120 with the fastener receivers 110. The user may then dispose the device into a washing machine, drying machine, or likewise automated cleaning machine.

Alternate embodiments permit the device housing 10 to be molded into an alternate 3-dimensional shape having an interior cavity wherein shoelaces may be disposed.

In an embodiment, the device housing 10 is comprised of a resilient polymer material that is reusable. The material used may withstand repeated use in a washing machine as well as a tumble dryer. The device should be able to withstand repeated bouts of cold, heat, and impacts during use.

In an alternate embodiment, each half 101, 102 may be hingedly connected. The hinged connection permits access to the inner contents of the device. A fastener and fastener receiver may releasably engage each half of the device.

In reference to FIG. 10 and in step 1, a user disposes a small article, such as a shoelace into the housing. In step 5, the user then releasably engages each half of the housing with the article being retained within the housing. In step 10, the user disposes the housing within a washing machine, sink, or other apparatus or means of washing articles such as shoelaces and other small items.

In an embodiment, the user may dispose the device into a drying apparatus wherein the wet article within the housing is dried before use.

The invention has been described herein using specific embodiments for the purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the principles of the invention can be embodied in other ways. Therefore, the invention should not be regarded as being limited in scope to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but instead as being fully commensurate in scope with the following claims. 

I claim:
 1. A shoelace cleaning device comprising: a. a housing defined by a first half and a second half, wherein the first half releasably engages the second half, and wherein the housing is dimensioned to receive a plurality of articles; b. a plurality of apertures positioned on the first half and the second half; and c. a plurality of tabs positioned in an interior of the housing.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing is spherical, and wherein the first half and the second half are hemispherical.
 3. The device of claim 1, further comprising a first half rim and second half rim, wherein the first half rim sealingly engages the second half rim. (Changed from corresponding rims, to defining each half as having its own rim. This helped clarify the claim.)
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein each of the one or more fasteners extends vertically from the first half rim and the second half rim.
 5. The device of claim 3, wherein the first half and the second half each have at least one fastener and at least one fastener receiver. (we moved these up and re-worded from previous claims 6 and 7)
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of articles are one or more shoelaces.
 7. The device of claim 1, further comprising one or more fasteners and one or more fastener receivers, wherein each of the one or more fasteners releasably engage one of the one or more fastener receivers.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of apertures permit the ingress and egress of fluids.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the position of the plurality of apertures promotes a vortex of fluids within the housing.(Wording changed to vortex)
 10. The device of claim 4, wherein the plurality of tabs agitate the shoelaces and fluids within the housing.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of tabs extend toward the center of the housing. (changed from having a height to extend)
 12. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tabs are integrally molded to the housing. (removed spherical to be more broad)
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing is made of a polymer plastic.
 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the polymer plastic is heat resistant and shock resistant.
 15. A method for cleaning articles comprising the steps of: a. disposing a plurality of articles in an interior of a housing; b. releasably engaging a first half and a second half of the housing; and c. disposing the housing in a washing apparatus.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of disposing the housing in a drying apparatus.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the housing is spherical, and wherein the first half and the second half are hemispherical.
 18. The method of claim 15 further comprising a first half rim and second half rim, wherein the first half rim sealingly engages the second half rim.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein the housing is dimensioned to receive shoelaces.
 20. The method of claim 15 further comprising one or more fasteners and one or more fastener receivers, wherein each of the one or more fasteners releasably engage one of the one or more fastener receivers, and wherein engagement of the fasteners with the fastener receivers retains the first half and the second half of the device. 